Are Bed Bugs Bad For Birds?
WouterDo bedbugs affect birds? It depends on the species. Bedbugs typically live in homes and are associated with humans, although they can also infest bats and birds. The two most common species are Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus. These two species are mostly associated with tropical areas, but can sometimes make their way into houses.
The first step in preventing bedbugs in your bird is to thoroughly clean the cage. In addition to cleaning the bird cage, you should dispose of all food and bedding. You can use an insecticide spray to kill the bugs, but it is important to use proper precautions. The safest insecticide for pets is pyrethrin, but it must be applied properly, so take your birds out of the room before using the spray.
Bedbugs are most likely to attack pets that spend a great deal of time on beds and mattresses. Fortunately, most pet birds do not spend much time in beds with humans. However, bird beds and mattresses are prone to infestation, and a bedbug infestation can be fatal for your bird.
Bedbugs usually feed on humans at night. However, some species of bedbugs feed on birds as well. If they are hungry, they may feed during the day. Luckily, their bites are painless and usually last no longer than a few minutes. They then crawl to a secluded location to digest their meal.
